Rainy day = Doggy Photoshoot

[jonslui]

Being stuck inside isn't always a bad thing, (for me at least, not sure how the pup feels about modeling )!

Anyways, this was the first time I that I feel I was able to use light the way I wanted too - but please critique me in anyway possible to improve my future photos!

(No cookies were harmed in the production of these images)

#1
Untitled by jonslui, on Flickr
#2
Untitled by jonslui, on Flickr
#3
Untitled by jonslui, on Flickr

 

[BillM]

These are beautiful, I hope at least a few cookies were harmed after the shoot

 

[jonslui]

Thank you! let's just say the cookie jar will never forget about this day

 

[Rosy]

Being stuck inside isn't always a bad thing, (for me at least, not sure how the pup feels about modeling )!

Anyways, this was the first time I that I feel I was able to use light the way I wanted too - but please critique me in anyway possible to improve my future photos!

(No cookies were harmed in the production of these images)

#1
https://flic.kr/p/oGMsbrUntitled by jonslui, on Flickr
#2
https://flic.kr/p/oqi6r5Untitled by jonslui, on Flickr
#3
https://flic.kr/p/oGMrJeUntitled by jonslui, on Flickr

I like...Beautiful doggy

 

[tirediron]

Very nicely posed; #3 is especially good. Unfortunately, your shallow DoF hurt these shots; I'm guessing your total DoF at f2.5 was something in the nature of 3" and looking at them at 100% most of the image is noticeably soft. I think too a little light into the eyes would have helped; looking at the full-resolution image, I can see a little detail there, so some careful processing of the raw file might bring that out.

 

[jonslui]

I realized that after taking them :/ I need to practice shooting with larger apertures a lot more, how would you suggest getting light into the eyes? I don't have flash boxes or anything.. do you think tapping a flashlight to a tripod angled towards his eyes would work decently? I will try editing the raw file, still trying to get the hang of LightZone

Thanks for the pointers!!

 

[tirediron]

Your best bet will be a reflector; a large piece of white posterboard, cardstock, or something similar; even those $1.99 aluminized reflectors they sell to keep the heat out of your car will do the job. When you're shooting with a large aperture, the #1 mistake people make is that they don't actually realize how shallow their DoF is at the distance they're shooting. You can use an on-line calculator such as this one, or download one for your smartphone. The second common mistake is not placing their focus point in the right spot to maximize that DoF; in other works, if your DoF at f<whatever> is 6", then you probably want to focus in the middle of the muzzle to get the nose & eyes in focus.

 

[jonslui]

Oh wow! That website is awesome, I'll definitely look into getting an app similar to that for my iPod or just messing around with it on the computer until I gain a better understanding about DoF! I didn't even think about white poster board, I'll definitely be running to the store to grab a piece to try out tomorrow! Also good point about the middle of the muzzle, I believe I was focusing on his eye but the muzzle seems to be the better option. Thanks a ton!

 

[JoeW8 1]

Your best bet will be a reflector; a large piece of white posterboard, cardstock, or something similar; even those $1.99 aluminized reflectors they sell to keep the heat out of your car will do the job. When you're shooting with a large aperture, the #1 mistake people make is that they don't actually realize how shallow their DoF is at the distance they're shooting. You can use an on-line calculator such as this one, or download one for your smartphone. The second common mistake is not placing their focus point in the right spot to maximize that DoF; in other works, if your DoF at f<whatever> is 6", then you probably want to focus in the middle of the muzzle to get the nose & eyes in focus.

Beat me to it. Turning a light directly (like a flashlight) into your dog's eyes will give him "devil's eyes" (as it reflects off the back of the retina). You want a more indirect, softer light. And a reflector will be perfect for this. I also agree about using a wider DoF for your shots.

Thanks for sharing. Also, kudos to you for going "well, I'm stuck in side....so let's find something to shoot". Too many photographers (me included) put off photography b/c...the light isn't right...the weather isn't cooperating...the dishes aren't done...I feel tired. Grab the fricking camera and go shoot....your example is a good model. There are always things to play with, light to bend, opportunities to exploit, ideas to embellish, and subjects to pose.

 

[Msteelio91]

Very nicely done, great looking pup

 

[Thatguyjae]

Your best bet will be a reflector; a large piece of white posterboard, cardstock, or something similar; even those $1.99 aluminized reflectors they sell to keep the heat out of your car will do the job. When you're shooting with a large aperture, the #1 mistake people make is that they don't actually realize how shallow their DoF is at the distance they're shooting. You can use an on-line calculator such as this one, or download one for your smartphone. The second common mistake is not placing their focus point in the right spot to maximize that DoF; in other works, if your DoF at f<whatever> is 6", then you probably want to focus in the middle of the muzzle to get the nose & eyes in focus.

Just checked out the link you provided so very helpful! Any recommendations for apps?

 

[tirediron]

Your best bet will be a reflector; a large piece of white posterboard, cardstock, or something similar; even those $1.99 aluminized reflectors they sell to keep the heat out of your car will do the job. When you're shooting with a large aperture, the #1 mistake people make is that they don't actually realize how shallow their DoF is at the distance they're shooting. You can use an on-line calculator such as this one, or download one for your smartphone. The second common mistake is not placing their focus point in the right spot to maximize that DoF; in other works, if your DoF at f<whatever> is 6", then you probably want to focus in the middle of the muzzle to get the nose & eyes in focus.

Just checked out the link you provided so very helpful! Any recommendations for apps?

I use one called "Photocalc" but there are dozens of different ones, for all operating systems.